Why Swimming Data Matters
For years, runners and cyclists have benefited from advanced data tracking, allowing them to fine-tune their performance based on real-time analytics. In contrast, swimmers have faced a unique challenge—gathering meaningful data beyond simple pace metrics has been nearly impossible. The movement of water, the variability in stroke technique, and the lack of a reliable tracking system have made it difficult to obtain insights beyond just lap times.
That’s where MySwimEdge comes in. This cutting-edge digital velocity meter provides near instantaneous, stroke-by-stroke data that has never been so easily accessible. Unlike other swim wearables, MySwimEdge captures detailed metrics like distance per stroke, min and max body speed per stroke, stroke timing, and stroke rate, offering swimmers and coaches an unparalleled look into their technique.
What is MySwimEdge and How does it Work?
MySwimEdge is a compact, wearable device designed to track swimming velocity in real-time. Swimmers wear the sensor on a belt around their waist, allowing it to measure their movement through the water with precision.
To record a session, a swimmer completes a lap (25 yds, 25m or 50m), then uploads the data via the app. The system then breaks down each stroke into measurable components, providing deep insights into stroke efficiency. Instead of relying on subjective feedback or guesswork, swimmers can see exactly where their speed changes, how efficient their stroke is, and where they are losing momentum.
What Type of Data Does It Provide?
Unlike traditional swim trackers that focus on lap times and stroke count, MySwimEdge delivers granular, stroke-level insights, including:
- Distance per Stroke (DPS): How much distance you cover with each stroke.
- Min and Max Speed per Stroke: Body velocity fluctuations during each stroke cycle.
- Stroke Timing: The duration of each stroke cycle.
- Stroke Rate: Strokes per minute, crucial for optimizing efficiency.
These metrics provide a complete picture of swimming efficiency, allowing swimmers to spot left/right asymmetries, pinpoint inefficiencies, and adjust their technique accordingly.
Use Cases: Triathlete & Sprint Swimmer
To demonstrate the power of MySwimEdge, let’s compare the analytics provided by the app for two swimmers with different backgrounds, each performing a near-maximal 25m sprint (without breathing):
(A) Triathlete (Long-Distance Swimmer)
- Right-arm strokes cover more distance and reach higher max speeds than left-arm strokes.
- Lower min speeds and longer stroke times indicate that the swimmer glides more, favoring efficiency over frequency.
- Stroke speed profiles are highly consistent, with each stroke nearly identical to the next.
- The speed pattern follows a sinusoidal shape, where speed peaks during the push phase and drops during recovery and catch.
This data suggests a clear right-side dominance, with fuller strokes on the right. It also highlights the triathlete’s prioritization of energy efficiency and steady pacing.
(B) Competitive Pool Swimmer (100m-200m Specialist)
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- Slight right/left imbalance, favoring the left stroke.
- Higher speeds and stroke frequency than the triathlete, with shorter stroke cycles.
- Speed remains more constant throughout the effort, rather than showing clear acceleration-deceleration phases.
- Stroke variations are higher—each stroke differs slightly, indicating that turnover speed is prioritized over stroke consistency.
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This comparison shows that sprinters focus on maintaining high velocity with rapid strokes, while triathletes rely on controlled, efficient strokes to sustain long-distance efforts.
By providing individual and comparative analysis, MySwimEdge helps swimmers identify their strengths and weaknesses. Used in a swim club or team environment, it enables coaches to compare athletes and tailor training strategies accordingly.
Key Takeaways: Pros, Cons & Who Should Use It
✅ Pros:
✔️ Detailed stroke-by-stroke analytics not available from other swim trackers.
✔️ Helps swimmers identify asymmetries and inefficiencies in real time.
✔️ Quick setup and easy-to-use interface.❌ Cons:
⚠️ Requires a strong analytical background to fully interpret the data.
⚠️ Best used under a coach’s supervision for actionable improvements and testing guidance.
⚠️ Data storage limitations: Currently, only one test can be recorded at a time. New recordings overwrite previous data, meaning results must be uploaded and analyzed immediately after each lap.
⚠️ Inconvenient for lone swimmers: Requires stopping on deck, pairing with a phone, uploading via Bluetooth, and waiting for cloud-based processing—potentially slow in pools with poor connectivity. A test (from starting the recording to seeing results) usually takes 2-3 minutes in the best case scenario.Who Should Use MySwimEdge?
✔️ Professional & Elite Swimmers – Perfect for refining technique and maximizing efficiency.
✔️ Triathletes & Competitive Amateurs – Helps optimize stroke rate and pacing for open water and long-distance events.
✔️ Coaches & Analysts – Ideal for training sessions, providing valuable feedback to swimmers.Want to Learn More?
Check out MySwimEdge in action:
🔗 YouTube Video 1
🔗 YouTube Video 2
🔗 YouTube Video 3Final Thoughts
MySwimEdge is a game-changer for swimmers and coaches looking for detailed stroke analysis. While it may not be suited for casual swimmers (yet!), for those serious about improvement, this device offers unparalleled insights that can make a real difference in performance.